OWASCO - Seven-year-old Andrew Bragg had already checked in one 15-inch fish at the Cayuga County Sportsmen's Association Annual Field Day by 11 a.m. Saturday.
The event kicked off with more than 50 people surrounding a pond at the association grounds on Rockefeller Road to participate in a children's fishing competition, the day's main attraction.
“We fish a little but this is just something fun to do,” said Andrew's father, Tom Bragg, who had caught a large-mouth bass earlier in the morning.
In its third year back since ending in 1988, Jack Cavanaugh, field day chairman, said the event is much smaller than it once was.
But recently it has grown in popularity as it has become geared toward children.
“It's nice to see the youngsters come out and fish,” Cavanaugh said. “People take fishing for granted. Some kids don't get past their computer screens anymore.”
Cavanaugh said although the kick-off event was a competition based on fish size, all the participants would have a chance to win a prize throughout the day.
Aside from fishing, the field day also included a range of field activities, including archery and air gun shooting instruction and red bird shooting for older children.
In the afternoon, a helicopter flying over the grounds dropped plastic containers with numbers inside that children could catch and redeem for prizes.
The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office also set up a booth where children could receive a child identification card.
The field day is held to raise money for the association, but most of the funds raised come from an evening banquet held at the association, where raffle tickets are sold and a silent auction for sporting collectibles takes place.
“We usually raise about $4,000 for our group each year,” Cavanaugh said.
The field days began in 1936, 28 years after the association formed. Cavanaugh said the first field days were held before hunting season but eventually died off.
A few years ago, Cavanaugh wanted to bring the tradition back after it had disappeared for almost 15 years.
“For some, shooting is like golfing,” Cavanaugh said. “Some people love to golf every weekend and some people love shooting every weekend.”
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
“We fish a little but this is just something fun to do,” said Andrew's father, Tom Bragg, who had caught a large-mouth bass earlier in the morning.
In its third year back since ending in 1988, Jack Cavanaugh, field day chairman, said the event is much smaller than it once was.
But recently it has grown in popularity as it has become geared toward children.
“It's nice to see the youngsters come out and fish,” Cavanaugh said. “People take fishing for granted. Some kids don't get past their computer screens anymore.”
Cavanaugh said although the kick-off event was a competition based on fish size, all the participants would have a chance to win a prize throughout the day.
Aside from fishing, the field day also included a range of field activities, including archery and air gun shooting instruction and red bird shooting for older children.
In the afternoon, a helicopter flying over the grounds dropped plastic containers with numbers inside that children could catch and redeem for prizes.
The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office also set up a booth where children could receive a child identification card.
The field day is held to raise money for the association, but most of the funds raised come from an evening banquet held at the association, where raffle tickets are sold and a silent auction for sporting collectibles takes place.
“We usually raise about $4,000 for our group each year,” Cavanaugh said.
The field days began in 1936, 28 years after the association formed. Cavanaugh said the first field days were held before hunting season but eventually died off.
A few years ago, Cavanaugh wanted to bring the tradition back after it had disappeared for almost 15 years.
“For some, shooting is like golfing,” Cavanaugh said. “Some people love to golf every weekend and some people love shooting every weekend.”
Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kristina.martino@lee.net
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.